THE IRFU HAS announced that Greg Feek will join the Ireland national coaching team on a full-time basis from the 2014/15 season onwards, having signed a two-year deal.
The former All Black has been working with Ireland part-time over the last three seasons, balancing his year-round work with Leinster. However, this new contract means Feek will end his spell with the province, focusing solely on national interests in the future.
Included in the new role is responsibility for aiding the National Scrum Development Programme, as well as continuing his control of the Ireland senior team’s scrummaging training.
The IRFU say Feek’s involvement in the National Scrum Development Programme will see him “working with the provincial and underage scrum coaches to identify and develop scrum talent” and focusing on “improving players’ general understanding of scrum mechanics and technique.”
This seems a positive move for Irish rugby, given that Feek’s expertise will now be shared among the four provinces when the national team is not in camp. The 38-year-old formerly won 10 international caps as a prop and played Super Rugby for the Crusaders.
“Greg played an important role during the Six Nations and the national coaching team are delighted that he will be joining us on a full-time basis.” says Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt. “He will also be a valuable addition to the National Scrum Development Programme.”
Feek himself pointed out that there is “some good scrum talent across all four provinces but there is always plenty to work on as we attempt to maximize the growth and development of the emerging talent while also staying as competitive as possible at the top level.”
